WW2 GQ Gold Club parachute badge

[rsunday]

Dear All,

I have almost finished my book devoted to Polish Army in Exile parachute and glider insignia 1941-1947.

I am still looking for good pictures of WW2 GQ Gold Club badge to present in my publication.

Does anybody have this badge and would you be so kind to share photos?

Thank you in advance.**

With kind regards

Rafal

[leigh kitchen]

Good to hear Rafal - when's the book liable to be available?

[dumdum]

Hi

Until a few years ago I could have helped you out here as we had an old friend who had a GQ badge and an Irwin badge, having qualified for the GQ badge bailing out of a Wellington over the UK on a training flight when the aircraft developed engine trouble.

The plane later landed but at least Ivan got to practise for his subsequent bail out of a Short Stirling (149 Sqn) that was on fire after being hit by a night fighter over Belgium piloted by Walter Ehle (his rank escapes me for the moment).

That qualified him for the Caterpillar Club!

A collector's story, but he and his wife had no children and he had always said that he would leave his medals, log book and two badge to me.

Ah no, his odd brother ended up with them....

So a long story but I would have been more than happy to oblige!

You probably know this, but the badge was made by J R Gaunt and was hallmarked too.

I do have one of those red/ black enamel GQ badges that seem to be fairly plentiful and they are clearly made on the same die.

What was their true purpose as I have read so many "tall tales" about them?

[conservator]

Hi,
I think the Irvin and GQ pin badges were issued originally to recognise those aircrew who used their chute 'in anger'. Later, the pins were certainly issued (in cheaper metals and enamel - and are plentiful) to Survival or Safety Equipment Fitters in the RAF (and possibly the RN). I knew a number of 'Squippers' who wore them as tie pins having completed the relevant parachute packing course and been awarded them in recognition. From memory, different chutes were used for different tasks and the different manufacturers may have specialised in chutes for certain tasks but not all. RAF Hullavington, in Wiltshire was the 'Rag Packers' graveyard and I think most chutes were serviced there, I'm pretty sure all chutes issued to troops went there. Those fitted to ejection seats, crew seats and passenger crew were usually packed and serviced on stations, as were brake chutes. I suspect that chutes used for Air Dispatch also went to Hullavington as Lyneham was just down the road. Most 'Squippers' were reluctant to part with their pins but a bit of nagging and a few beers helped - that's how I got mine.
George

[dumdum]

Hi

Interesting to read what you've written. The GQ gold badge, from memory, has "GQ Parachute Saved My Life" as an incuse (?) backstamp then with the Gaunt marking and hallmark.

If I'm correct, Ivan's father applied for both badges while his son was "behind the wire", although it's possible that he got his GQ badge before he went on his last mission.

Because the world is a small place, I bought a commemorative scroll to Ivan's bomb aimer who, at 34, was called the "old man" in the crew...

[rsunday]

Hi :-)

The book should be ready for June - 80th anniversary of establishing Polish parachute badge (Znak spadochronowy).

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

Good to hear Rafal - when's the book liable to be available?

[rsunday]

Thank you for your comments and information.

GQ gold badge was given after rescue jump using GQ parachute - in purpose for aviators.
Indeed, the badges were made and marked by Gaunt.
On the reverse side following information was engraved:
- directly on badge - names of aviator and date of his rescue jump
- on "horseshoe" (fastener) - serial number.
i saw also examples issued after WW2.

I have 4 variants of GQ parachutist pin given in Ringway.

Rafal

[leigh kitchen]

Originally Posted by rsunday

Hi :-)

The book should be ready for June - 80th anniversary of establishing Polish parachute badge (Znak spadochronowy).

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for updates from you.

[arrestingu]

My example to a glider pilot who bailed out during training and then was killed at Arnhem .
Regards steve

[rsunday]

Thank you Steve!